Well done, Captain!

Pakistan has always remained active and flexible in forging brotherly relationships. There has always been a growing sense in Pakistan to develop better understandings with brotherly Muslim countries. In a bid to develop meaningful ties, Pakistani writers have not only been appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable economic achievements but have been pointing out that Pakistan had much to learn from Bangladesh, mainly in terms of how to manage the economy and human resource development. Now Imran Khan’s gesture can ensure stable economic relations on the basis of mutual trust between the two countries. Beside religion, both countries are founding members of SAARC, as well as members of the Developing 8 Countries, the OIC and the Commonwealth of Nations. Both are also classified as the Next Eleven emerging economies (N11).

It is encouraging that things have started moving towards normalization.

It is encouraging that things have started moving towards normalization. Bangladesh is all set to meet a challenging $50 billion export target by 2021 and wants Pakistan to broaden the base of its investment partnership and avail the opportunities available in the world’s second largest garment exporting country. Tarik Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Pakistan, at a seminar titled “‘Taking Bangladesh where export and investment grow better,” said, “I invite Pakistani businessmen to import more from Bangladesh.” He added that Pakistani companies had made significant investments in the apparel sector in Bangladesh and more entrepreneurs from Pakistan could now invest in the 100 economic zones established in BD for facilitating foreign investment.

While calling on the Pakistani businessmen to urge their government to improve relations with Bangladesh, he urged the both countries to increase joint economic cooperation. Last year, Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh amounted to $744 million, surpassing Bangladesh imports of around $600 million,

The Bangladesh high commissioner said there were irregular contacts between the businessmen of the two countries, though they also faced visa issues. To promote regular and fruitful contacts between their businessmen, both governments could start granting 30-day Single Entry Business Visas on arrival to businessmen of both countries.

Now is the time for both the governments to formulate a policy plan to overcome the economic conditions in the way of people-to-people contacts, joint business ventures, etc. To improve relations, both countries also need to work together in many other areas. For example, cricket diplomacy can further improve the relationship between the two countries. The Bangladesh cricket team toured Pakistan in January and February 2020 to play a Test match and three 20-20 matches against Pakistan. Players like Mushfiq, Musharafe, Mahmudullah, Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Mustafizur and many others are popular in Pakistan. Such ventures can certainly help in further cementing relations between both countries.

Besides sports, exchange of students can also be explored to reinforce the long history of shared values between the two nations. Education diplomacy can play an important role in developing better understanding between the youth of the two countries. In return, this will help in the process of building mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationships between both countries. On the other hand, by requesting professionals and experts of Pakistan and Bangladesh can be asked to contribute their best technologies in helping each other set up research bases.

After all, there’s no reason to keep wearing the same pair of pants.